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Explore San Diego's Great Outdoors

San Diego Zoo Safari Park: Discover the Adventure of a Lifetime

From $78.00

Balboa Park: Guided Walking Tour

From $60.00

Some of San Diego’s best experiences happen outdoors. Discover the gardens, plazas and Spanish Colonial Revival architecture of Balboa Park on a guided walking tour, or head inland to the 1,800-acre San Diego Zoo Safari Park, where herds of giraffes, rhinos and antelope roam together across open savanna habitats.

Which Park is Best For You?

Balboa Park: Guided Walking Tour

Explore Balboa Park on foot with a guide, taking in the Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, gardens and history of San Diego’s cultural heart, home to museums, theaters and the San Diego Zoo.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Watch giraffes, rhinos and antelope roam together across open savanna habitats at this 1,800-acre wildlife park near Escondido, with the guided Africa Tram ride included in admission.

Good to Know Before You Go

Parking in Balboa Park has been paid since January 5, 2026, with meters on park roads at $2.50 an hour and daily lot fees between $5 and $16. The Lower Inspiration Point lot is free for the first three hours.

Balboa Park’s free tram runs from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., linking the Inspiration Point lot with stops around the park, including Plaza de Panama.

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is about 35 miles northeast of downtown San Diego, off Interstate 15 at Exit 27 for Via Rancho Parkway. Allow 45 minutes to an hour to get there.

The Safari Park opens daily at 9:00 a.m. and charges a parking fee per vehicle. Outside food and non-alcoholic drinks are allowed, but glass containers, disposable straws and coolers larger than 12 by 12 inches aren’t.

FAQs

Which parks can I book on this page?

A guided walking tour of Balboa Park and admission to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, along with more experiences in the listings above.

What is there to see in Balboa Park?

Balboa Park is home to museums such as the San Diego Museum of Art, the Fleet Science Center and the San Diego Automotive Museum, along with the San Diego Zoo, the Botanical Building, the Spreckels Organ Pavilion with the world’s largest outdoor pipe organ, and the Old Globe Theatre.

Is it free to enter Balboa Park?

Yes. Walking around Balboa Park’s grounds and gardens is free, while museums and attractions inside the park charge their own admission. Parking in the park has been paid since January 2026.

How large is the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and how long should I spend there?

The Safari Park covers 1,800 acres. Most visitors spend four to six hours there, including the guided Africa Tram ride, which is included with admission.

Can I reach the Safari Park by public transit?

Yes. Take the MTS Rapid 235 from downtown or the SPRINTER rail line to the Escondido Transit Center, then connect to NCTD Bus Route 371, which serves the Safari Park. Service is infrequent, so plan around the timetable.

Which park is better for a shorter visit?

The Balboa Park walking tour is the easier fit for a shorter visit close to downtown, while the Safari Park is a longer day trip inland.

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